W New Orleans, French Quarter

By Lora Ghawaly

The W French Quarter has proven it understands a thing or two about southern charm with a new design overhaul. Taking inspiration from New Orleans’ soul for the new look, the W’s guest rooms feature the concepts of the city’s jazz history and tarot mystery. Each room’s décor showcases sleek, modern lines and an updated color palette with a new design overhaul and $9 million in renovations. The property offers a charming outdoor courtyard, a WET deck surrounded by an intricate wrought- iron gate, SWEAT facility, and SoBou, a spirited restaurant and bar.

At the end of the renovations, 97 guest rooms will have been updated. According to James Wroblewski, the general manager for W Hotels of New Orleans, the new look will strive to bring the city into the hotel. “Our goal was to infuse the strong, eclectic culture of New Orleans with the modern, vibrant W character and weave it throughout our property so our guests feel the energy from the moment they step into our Living Room to the time of their departure,” he said.

To match their new NOLA flavor, the hotel is opening a restaurant called SoBou. This modern Creole saloon’s name is short for “South of Bourbon street,” the newest enterprise from the Commander’s family of restaurants. It includes a cocktail program, self-dispensing wine machines and a beer garden. SoBou’s executive chef, Juan Carlos Gonzales, locally sources his menu, which features Louisiana street food-inspired small plates paired with artisan cocktails and wine.

W French Quarter offers a private oasis in a vibrant city. The hotel lies just steps from some of New Orleans’ most popular attractions, including historic Jackson Square, electrifying Bourbon Street and renowned Royal Street. With the enchanting redesign of its guest rooms, including four Carriage Houses, the W French Quarter is reinstating a spirit of timelessness and a sense of rebellious living in the French Quarter.

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